Event helps prevent overcrowding

By Alexis Gomez

CUDDLY and Texas Organizations will present “Dallas Pets are Family Day,” Saturday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dallas County Tax Office located at 8301 S Polk St. in Dallas. 

Supported by CUDDLY, a mission-driven company centered around the needs of rescued animals and the community focused programs that support them, several Texas based organizations are coming together to offer a day of free pet food, vaccines, microchips and more to pet families. Supplies and services are first come, first served while they last.

The North Texas Food Bank reports that an estimated 800,000 people in North Texas face food insecurity, an issue impacting not only people, but pets as well. The rising cost of living often can result in families making difficult decisions. From October through December 2022, 27 percent of the dogs and cats taken in by Dallas Animal Services were surrendered by owners to an already overcrowded shelter.

Keeping pets at home when they already have families that love them is a key component to preventing shelter overcrowding and the impact often felt by the organizations who are faced with it.

Based on last year’s successful events in Dallas and Fort Worth, organizers of “Dallas Pets Are Family Day” expect to distribute more than 30,000 pounds of pet food and give up to 400 vaccines and microchips, in addition to vouchers for spay/neuter services to ensure everyone that needs support receives it.

Despite the critical need, these events are not funded through any government initiative. 

They are made possible entirely through the willingness of the participating organizations and the generosity of donors who care about pets and their families. The window for donations is short, with the most urgent need right now to ensure all supplies arrive in time for distribution. 

Donors can contribute to lead partners Dallas Pets Alive, Dallas Animal Services, Operation Kindness, SPCA of Texas and Spay Neuter Network via CUDDLY, the only wish list platform dedicated exclusively to the needs of animals and a partner in these events since their inception. 

Those interested in supporting this event can donate food and supplies to be distributed by visiting CUDDLY.com.